Infection Control
Help & Advice
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Herpes and Its Impact on HealthWhile there are eight human based herpes viruses, two of them particularly stand out because of how frequently they appear in the population. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) and the herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) are the two predominant ones.
Herpes is often regarded as a sexually transmitted disease which is true. However, did you also know that there is a huge contingent of herpes viruses, but only eight of them typically cause illness in humans? It's also disappointing to find out that herpes outbreaks can recur many times, depending on how your immune system is functioning. Unfortunately there are no cures for viruses right now. There Are Two Common Herpes Viruses While there are eight of these human based herpes viruses, two of them tend to stand out because of their frequency of occurrence in the population. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) and the herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) are the two that most people seem to get. These two herpes simplex viruses cause both genital herpes and oral herpes. Oral herpes arrives in the form of fever blisters or cold sores, while genital herpes generally causes sores in the sensitive genital region. Both the herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 can infect both oral and genital regions. Most of the time however, oral herpes is cause by type 1 of the virus while genital herpes is caused by type 2 of the virus. Common Symptoms of Herpes It is usually transmitted by intimate contact, primarily sexual intercourse. However, it can also be transmitted it by kissing if you or someone else has open sores in their mouth or on their lips. It definately takes skin to skin contact to spread this viral disease. The symptoms can take up to a month to show once exposed to the virus. Some have few symptoms while others get actual sores or lesions. At first the skin will become sensitive and red in color and then blisters appear. These blisters eventually burst and ooze so it's important to clean these broken blisters promptly and make sure you don't pick unopened ones so as not to spread the infection to other parts of your body or even to others .
New skin growth forms once the blisters have "popped" and drained. Most don't leave scars. Swollen glands, muscle pain, fever, and other flu-type of symptoms may present themselves. Herpes in the genital area can be very painful, especially in the urethra when you try to urinate. These blisters may itch and "throb" but don't try to scratch or pick at them as there is no need to share the wealth of infection with anyone else. Treatment Options At present, there are no vaccinations or cures for the herpes virus, or any virus for that matter, however, some pharmaceutical companies have produced drugs that can lessen the severity of outbreaks, especially for genital herpes. Drugs for recurring cold sores which were once only available with prescription are now available over the counter.
Diet and nutrition can actually help with outbreaks of the herpes virus. Foods like fresh garlic have anti-viral properties which could combat the frequency of outbreaks. Choosing foods high in the lysine amino acid is also beneficial. A nutritionist is your best resource for an anti-herpes outbreak diet while your doctor can help you with anti-viral remedies. If you suspect that you might have herpes, get checked out by a doctor. Also, practice safe sex with your partners to avoid contracting or spreading the virus. Just remember, skin to skin contact is the predominant way that herpes is spread. Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
10/15/2008 |
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